Wednesday, February 18, 2009

No way to prepare for this....

Well, our hospital visit could not have gotten much worse today. The results of Cody's CT scan was much worse than we thought possible. His little lungs are 50% covered with cancer. He is also showing spots in his liver. To use the word devastated would be a major understatement. The doctor couldn't tell us how much time we had but with the progression of the beast from the scan 3 weeks ago to today she thinks it could be 2 weeks to 2 months. He will start getting short of breath as this progresses. She said that they can keep him comfortable and he will have to go on oxygen when the time comes. There is basically no way we can treat him now other than to do a little more radiation on his legs to relieve the pain. She is going to ask the radiation Dr. if there is any way to treat his lungs but she doesn't believe there is.

So, we are now planning on leaving for the beach this coming Monday. We are going to go as far south as the train will take us. We will deal with the plans in the next few days. Cody was suppose to get radiation on his legs through next week but the doctor says that we need to go to the beach now. Cyber Knife is no longer a concern. We are no longer pursuing that treatment. We are now in memory making overdrive mode.

We have decided that we are not going to tell the kids until we absolutely have to. We don't need anymore people worrying than we already have. As far as Cody goes, we are just going to keep him as happy and comfortable as possible. I wish there was better news to report but there unfortunately is not.

My heart just goes out to all of you. I feel like there is nothing I can say or do for you but I just want you to know that you are in my prayers and I hope that the trip to the beach is full of moments to cherish.

I can't except the fact that this is really happening.I guess I'm still hoping and praying for amiracle some where.God please takethis awful thing away from our BIG GUY. This is so unfair for a child.GOD BLESS you all Mickey. You know I LOVE you all so very, very much.LOVE and KISSES, MOM

I found your blog through a friend on FB. My heart goes out to you and your lovely family right now. I pray that God surrounds you with the peace and understanding that is only His in a time like this. Easier said than done I know. God bless you and bring you the strength that you need during this time.

MickeyI've started to know you as DeckApe the runner last July from RW. I've come to know you as Mickey,the very loving, very caring father and husband who has done everything humanly possible for his family. You are truly a role model to emulate.Please go to the beach and enjoy your family, but also enjoy yourself.My prayers continue for God's blessing over you and the family.

I am so sorry, Mickey and Diane. I will keep praying for Cody's comfort, and praying for all of you. I cannot imagine what you must be feeling. I just wish I could take away some of the pain in your hearts.

I ran across your blog a few weeks ago through another blog that I came across though another blog. There is nothing anyone can say or do in this kind of situation, but please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

F**k! I'm so sorry that you're being sent down this road. If there's a way that you would feel comfortable sending me a mailing address, I'd love to send something to Cody, just to let him know that lot's of people around the world are thinking of him. If you don't care, have the time, or just don't want to, I totally understand. Hang in there. Take lot's of video. Capture his voice. It's more valuable than gold.

Prayers continue for all of your family. All of our hearts hurt for you. You continue to be an amazing family. Enjoy the beach. If you are down this far south, and need anything you know the number. G2G

Andy (Max's Dad) took the word right out of my mouth when I read this post. My heart has shattered into a million pieces for all of you tonight. I can only imagine how you are both feeling. I have faith in God but it doesn't make me less angry at why these things happen to people, families, loved ones, children. It does not make sense to me but I know Cody's life has meaning because he brought so many people together in his name and His name. I am continuing to pray for strength for all of you, peace and comfort for Cody, and memories that you will make at the beach that will fill your heart with warmth.

So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:13.

http://www.footprints-inthe-sand.com/index.php?page=Poem/Poem.php

Seeing the picture of Cody in the sand and reading about the trip to the beach. I just wanted to remind you that the Lord is with you and you are all being embraced by His love and carried by Him. Please don't forget to look for His Footprints this week too. And know that you are all in our hearts and prayers.

Mickey,There is nothing I can say to convey the feelings of helplessness that I have right now. All I can do is let you know that we care and wish there was a way to make all of this go away. Please let me know if there is anything that you need.

Mickey and Diane,My heart just aches. May Cody find joy and peace at the beach and your trip be filled with many treasured moments. Surrounding you in love and prayers today and always. With love and prayers,Lori

Hey Bro,Hug, squeeze, inhale and soak up as much you can of him!!! I am numb from head to toe and pissed off at the world right now! We want to come visit but don't want to intrude on your precious time! I know that you probably don't want to talk but will try and call you soon. My heart is crushed and can't imagine what your feeling. Sending much love, Shawn, Kelsey, Alysse and Elijah.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We would be honored to send you (no charge, of course) a CD that Cody might enjoy; a CD inspired in part by children at the Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center in Charlottesville. We have given many to the children there that enjoy the music. We visit twice a month to play guitar and sing.

You can preview a song or two at http://graspingatlaws.net/music.html - the first three are from the CD we'll send, titled "It's Time That Time Was Overthrown".

Mickey and Diane,Please call if there is anything that you need help with. We all would love to come and be with you all at this very minute, but we too agree with Shawn that we understand your need for some privacy right now. We are ready to be there the moment you want and need us to be. Waiting to help, Love, BigSis

Mickey and Diane, I'm so sorry to hear this news, I was not ready for it. I am devestated, my heart goes out to each and everyone of you. As, Shawn, Mom and everone else said, go to the beach, play games, read books, do what ever but enjoy every momment with that little guy Cody, Justin and Abby. If you make it this far south we would love to see you, but if not, Enjoy yor time. let me know if you need me, I will drive up as soon as you want.

You don't know me...I live in Atlanta. We have found a 3 bedroom condo in Virginia Beach for your family. You can go there on Monday. The lady that is donating the house is also a professional photographer and is willing to help you document this trip. Her name is Sue Watson....Please contact me at kptectm@bellsouth.net or 800-700-2530 (work) ask for Karen Price. Monday is fine and stay as long as you want to or can! God bless you all...my prayers are with you and your son.Karen Price

Diane & Mickey, My heart is aching for you. Words are useless, as a mom I know. I hope my hug, love and prayers to you are some comfort. Cody knows you love him and is incredibly blessed to have you and your family...soak up each moment and memory, all our love, Donna & Greg from Georgetown. I would love to send Cody some of our favorite legos if you wish.

I was led to your site from Max Mikulak's website. I am heartbroken for Cody and your entire family. This beast is unrelenting. Make as many memories as you can and know you have many many people praying for you and wishing you weren't in this place.

I often lurk on the RW masters forum and have been following your blog. Cody is the bravest little guy. I'm sure you are so proud of him. My heart breaks for you and your family. You will all be in my prayers. Enjoy your time at the beach.

I learned of your blog site through a friend of mine in Dallas GA. I am waiting for a phone call back but I may have a condo on the beach in Daytona, FL. I will post on here as soon as I hear from the owner. You can email me at kriandthur@att.netMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Kristin

Its all been said by everyone already but we are all saddened and were hoping that Cody would win his fight. We have all been touched by his brave struggle and by your words & example. Just know that we wish we could trade places with Cody if we could. It is so unfair. But remember that if you believe, then this is not the end. Enjoy your time at the beach and know that you will meet again in a place with no pain or illness & sadness. Will pray for a safe trip and for strength for all of you and peace & happiness for Cody. God is still with you...Jim @ TRANE/ACCA

i found your blog through a link on the riggs family blog. i am praying for you and your family. i am an rn who has seen what this does to families and will pray for the highest level of comfort for cody and the highest level of peace that God can give you and your family.

I found your blog from the Riggs blog. I just wanted to say that from one mother to another, I applaud your decision to go make memories! What a precious gift that will be to all involved.Michelle MannAlaska

speechless, helpless, numbness,sadness, useless, Words are useless in trying to convey how we feel right now. We can only keep you guys in our thoughts and prays. we are here for you. whatever, whenever, however needed.

Mickey I Hope and of course Pray that you don't see this for a LONG, LONG time because you, Cody and your family are too busy first enjoying the Fla. beaches and everything else that is down there, and also you and your family are enjoying time with Cody as he and you all make time count. As I stated may that Time keep counting for a LONG, LONG time.

I am truly sorry for what you are all going through and I will say a prayer for your sweet child tonight. My son has been fighting leukemia for over three years now and my heart breaks for all the little ones fighting the beast that cancer is.

I wish there were words--know we are here praying. Our hearts break for you--enjoy each moment of each day--they are precious jewels you will carry with you always. With love and prayer-Max's Annee Ranee

Mickey and Diane, I don't know what to say, except that our thoughts and best wishes are with you. I hope you all have a peaceful and carefree time at the beach, and hope Cody can be just a happy little boy and have lots of fun time.

I hopped over from the Riggs blog and want you to know that I'm praying for all of you and especially Cody right now. I can't tell you I know how you feel because I can't imagine it but I'm praying for you!

i am shaking as i am typing this..i am so sorry...just sorry..i wish there was something i can do/say..other than to say that i am praying for Cody to be as comfortable as possible. have a safe BUT extrememly fun trip to the beach. i hope these memories in the making are the very BEST they can be....

I found you by way of Brent Riggs' blog and I just want to say that my thoughts go out to you and your family. Although we don't know one another - I will be praying...and others here in Alabama will be praying for your family. May God grant you beautiful weather and many wonderful memories that you can treasure always.

I'm checking each and every comment as usual and am so glad somany people are praying for my sonand his family. I'd like to THANKYOU all as Mickey has been doing.I still keep praying for a MIRACLEto happen..... LOVE AND KISSES toour BIG GUY CODY and his family.. LOVE you all much,MOM & GRANDMA

Just found your blog through Abby's family and know that you can use another prayer warrior. Praying for peace, comfort and many many wonderful memories to be made with your precious and handsome little man! There are really no other words to say to ease your pain, but know that Cody is being covered in prayer!

God bless you and your precious family. Parents shouldn't have to deal with this type of thing. Children should never have to live this nightmare. It's wrong. If you all need anything, please let it be known. Will be praying for sweet memories and peace in your lives.

This is the first time we have visited your blog. We want you to know that our prayers for healing are with you. Although the doctors have offered you little hope, know that even in our darkest moments there is always hope. For hope became a man and died for this very reason... to bring, life... healing, comfort, peace and even deliverance of pain to Cody. Hope never decreases, it stays the same regardless of the circumstances. "And hope maketh not ashamed: because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:5

I know that it is ALWAYS God's perfect will to heal. It is true sometimes in His eternal wisdom the ultimate healing is to call us home to be with him. However make no mistake about it..God is still in the miracle healing business here on earth as well. God loves to be glorified

"And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. And in that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you." John 14:13,20

The more impossible it seems to the doctors the more glory God will receive. Just as the story of Lazarus teaches us..God is always on time...even when He's four days late...He's still on time. The Word tells us to fight the good fight of faith and that fight isn't over until the very instant God calls us home. As you enjoy your time as a family, continue to quote healing scriptures over Cody. For they are life,

"My Son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and Health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:20-23

"So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it. " Isaiah 55:11

God's word shall not return to Him void..speak those healing scriptures.

"I create the fruit of the lips Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord: and I WILL HEAL HIM." Isaiah 57:19

Lord -- give them strength, give them wisdom and hold them close to You as they walk this path. Lord, Cody is your child and I know You love him. Lord, I'm boldly approaching the throne of grace and asking for Your healing touch on this precious child. Lord, I know that You are a God of Miracles and a God of great Wonders. Lord, I ask that Cody be healed. Lord, above all I ask that Your will be done in Cody's life and in his family's life. In Your Name. Amen

Found your blog from the Riggs family blog. Praying that the God of all comfort may surround your family as you this heavy trial. As a mom, my heart breaks for you and words seem so inadequate. Praying for grace and strength that you may be able to make wonderful memories at the beach.

I too found your blog from the Riggs blog... please know I will be praying for you, for peace, comfort, and strength. I am so sorry you have to go through this. Lots of love and many prayers- Lindsey in CA

We will continue to pray for Cody and his spirit so that we may nourish it as much as it is earthly possible. That we may join in thousands here on earth to glorify God on behalf of one of His precious angels. Without Brett, I would never have 'got' why we do this.

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About Me

I grew up, ah, got older in Ford City Pa. A small town 45 minutes up the Allegheny River from Pittsburgh. Growing up a true 70's child I really thought that the Steelers were suppose to win the Super Bowl every year. :D Being the free spirit that I am I couldn't wait to get out on my own, so I joined the Navy. I flew out to the Philippines and met my boat the USS John Paul Jones DDG32. From there we sailed back to the states and spent most of the rest of my tour between San Diego and Long Beach. Since getting out I married twice, had 6 children and lived in Groton CT, Pensacola FL, Germantown MD and now in Northern VA. I've been married to my wife Diane for 10 years now and have three energetic and loving children. My life reads like a fiction novel in many ways. Many ups and downs but I feel blessed to have this life. To some it may seem boring but it's all mine.. :D